707 Effective OSH Committee Meetings

What do the Rules Say?

As we mentioned in the previous section, OSHA does not have specific federal regulations mandating the structure or operation of safety committees, but the topics for discussion in safety committee meetings will often align with OSHA standards that promote safe work environments. Common topics for discussion in meeting will include:

• Hazard Identification and Control:
  • Meetings should discuss the results of workplace inspections.
  • The hazards identified and the recommended corrective action should be discussed.
• Accident Investigation:
  • The committee should review incident and accident reports to discuss the surface and root causes.
  • The committee should recommend measures to prevent recurrence of accidents.

• Training and Education:
  • The committee should assess the quality of the safety training program and offer suggestions for improvement.
  • Review safety training program policies and procedures.
• Recordkeeping:
  • Committee meeting minutes, inspection findings, and follow-up actions should be discussed and maintained.
• Communication:
  • Every meeting should discuss ways to share safety updates, policies, and practices effectively across all levels of the organization.
  • Meetings should include employee feedback and recommendations for improvement.

Guidelines for Effective Committees

1. Regular Meetings: Meet consistently, typically monthly or quarterly.
2. Balanced Membership: Include representatives from both management and employees.
3. Clear Objectives: Set goals for the committee, such as reducing incidents or improving compliance.
4. Follow-Up: Ensure accountability for implementing recommendations or corrective actions.

These elements are aligned with OSHA’s overarching principles of workplace safety and health. Adhering to these practices can strengthen a company’s safety program and help prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.

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